Tucson, Arizona wash-in weekend of 23-mar-07 to 25-mar-07

[Maytagmom]

Passports

Yup, you will have to have El Passaporte to return from any country outside of the good ol USA.
I have to deal with these and VISAs for our employees who go over to Saudi.
I believe right now, renewals are $125.00 (non expedited)
But they are good til 2017!
LOL
How futuristic does THAT sound?

 

[hoover1060]

Hampton Inn

on Grant road is where we are staying, its pretty close to one place, I think Roger's...

I'll pass on Mexico...

 

[rp2813]

Check with your nearest Mexican consulate. I read about the new immigration rules when things were going to change in January and I swear I saw that you can walk across without any passport. It might be different if you're driving across, but IIRC they said if your stay is less than 24 hours you don't need a passport, and that might be regardless of whether you walk or drive across. However, a birth certificate is always a good idea.

 

[petek]

Here's a linky

x

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

 

[irishwashguy]

We are staying at

Motel 6. Basic. and not really far from the wash in. I may have my passport by then, I hope that the pic looks good once they put it all together.

 

[pulsator]

Me, my mom and my boyfriend will be attending!!!

 

[appnut]

Jeff, I believe I stayed at that Hampton Inn last year, liked it a lot. YAY Jamie, it will be good to see you & your mom again. Bob

 

[exploder3211]

Ok That was confusing.. So no you don't need a passport? If so, thats great. What would you need? I have a drivers license and a sams card.. Would that work?

 

[appnut]

Chad, you have to have the passport now.

 

[exploder3211]

OK... I would love to go, but... That was the most confusing thing i read.. It said something about travel by land in 2008... Pooo

 

[petek]

No passport is required to enter Mexico or Canada for US Citizens,, just a birth certificate or picture drivers license and some other form of citizenship. The new passport law only refers to flying into the USA from anywhere except US territories. Sometime in 2008 a passport or some sort of new electronic i.d. card will be needed for driving in. While the rest of the world is breaking down walls, the good ol USA is building them

 

[Maytagmom]

Sure Chad, Border Guards will take Sam's cards...

Please make sure it says, El Grande Samo Walmarto.

*runs*

LOL sorry, couldn't pass it up after seeing what a joke it is that the IRS is giving me back in refunds....
3 words: ABOLISH THE IRS!!!

 

[frontaloadotmy]

I don't think the passports are "required" to

"enter" Canada or Mexico, but my understanding is that they
are a requirement to return to the US, even if you are a US citizen.

 

[exploder3211]

Ok..Time to find a number to call

Maytag Mom
If you don't mind me being nosey, what problems are you having with the IRS?? I work for HR Block part time, curious

 

[westytoploader]

Considering the way it is now, if you respect your own personal safety and/or would like to keep your life, it's best to stay out. Recently, (to make a long story short) an acquaintance of my dad was down on a large ranch Nuevo Laredo with a few other friends (some of which were even Mexican citizens) for a hunting trip, and they were all kidnapped and held hostage by gang members for several days. Luckily, this acquaintance was one of the first released by them, and I believe everyone else made it out alive as well, thank God.

Although I think Toggle's comment was meant as a joke...at least I interpreted it that way. It's just WAY too risky.

 

[toggleswitch]

NEXT!

I really WAS contemplating a quickie vist. Somehow doesn't seem all that interesting anymore.

BTW this is the only situation in the world that a "rich" country borders on a "poor" one. Fact. not a judgement.

 

[toggleswitch]

ABOLISH THE IRS!!!

You should see their gorgeous new (read: expensive) building on Broadway in lower Manhattan......

[I was near there the other day on business].

Not that there was anything (seemingly) wrong with the prior one.

 

[brettsomers]

Mexico

ive been to Laredo (many times) and Juarez and have lived to tell about it. first, dont drive, esp your own car. for a day trip, park your car on "this side" and walk over.

second, dress simply/modestly. casual (inexpensive) shoes and accessories are the thing to wear. leave your ritzy leather items and fancy watches/jewelry at home.

seems mexican criminals prey on seemingly affluent individuals. while American culture sometimes encourages people to go for an expensive "look", when you visit Mexico, do the opposite.

many of the news stories you see on TV involve drug dealers, or rich people. im convinced its exaggerated, esp since the american pharma industry is soo powerfull and HATES the selling of prescription drugs in Mexico to American residents.

 

[toggleswitch]

ohh and be careful with that "A" word,

Canadians, those from the US, the Caribbean and Central and South America are Americans too!

 

[Maytagmom]

Hittin' Boyz town in Mexico...

I agree w/David, on "leaving the car on this side and walking over". The lines of cars to go into Mexico is horrendous, and you have to purchase Mexcian Insurance anywho. They drive like maniacs on crack there.

Having been to Mexico several times, (Juarez, Nuevo Laredo) That is how we did it.

Last time I went was in July 4th 2003. Wear comfy shoes, hide your money, and politely turn away from all the beggers, and do NOT come back with prescriptions from the US being filled down there. Nor would I get any "work" done down there.

All in all, the people were very friendly and actually speak better English than the immigrants who live here....(they think all Americans have $$$...and I guess we do...lol) I took about $400 in cash and couldn't even spend it all, much less carry all the crap back I bought, so turn down offers from little boys who want to carry stuff back for you too)

I came back with some fabulous art, that here sells for 3X the amount.

You can mosey up to a bar at 9 am and start drinking...the buys are faaaaabulous, but it's dirty, crowded and noisy there. (Seems they want to honk their horns at every turn)

Border town merchants all take USD, so no need to exchange the money rate. Besides, after 5 Tecates and shots of Cuevo, you can't +/- in their exchange anyways...LOL

Just my .03254 cents worth.

PS to Chad: I just think I should get back more than I am getting...Lawd knows the taxes I pay is more than some folks salary. What a pisser!